P/P/276. Ethical issues of abortion: review of opinions

The paper critically reviews the book ‘Abortion and Infanticide’ by Michael Tooley discussing arguments and opinions in favour and against abortion, the status of the fetus between conception and birth, the concept of a ‘potential person’, etc.

S/P/54. What role should a theory of ethics allow to consequences?

This paper examines the role of theoretical frameworks in moral philosophy and also whether the subject can be categorised in such a way. Three main theories are examined; consequentialism, deontological theory and virtue ethics. Each of these contain important intuitions, yet are very difficult to reconcile. The paper will examine the strengths and weaknesses of each school of thought, and argues that no single option is sufficient to explain all of ethics.

S/P/53. Are Moral Requirements Categorical Imperatives?

This essay examines the nature of moral requirements, describing the distinction between categorical and hypothetical imperatives. It will consider Kant’s case for the former, and Williams’ argument for the latter, concluding that both elements are important in considerations of what constitutes a moral requirement. There is also consideration of Foot’s conception of ‘moral duty’ and her allusions to virtue ethics. This alternative conception of moral requirements represents an alternative option to imperatives, but is perhaps not sufficient.

S/P/52. Can ethical naturalism be defended?

This paper discusses the debate between nihilism and ethical naturalism. Nihilists take the opinion that there are no moral facts, no moral truths and no basis of moral knowledge. Naturalists present a case to show that there are moral truths and forms of moral knowledge. The essay details a number of criticisms against ethical naturalism, and argues that it can partially defend itself from these due to their flawed nature. However, ethical naturalism does not appear to be a convincing account of moral knowledge.

S/P/51. For Hume, is morality was more properly felt than judged?

This essay examines Hume’s morality, and specifically the idea of believing morality is dictated by sentiments and feelings, not reasons. It goes on to apply Griffin’s ‘taste and perception models’ to Hume’s analysis, and shows the difficulties that are encountered when Hume is forced to introduce an element of reason in to his characterisation of morality. The importance of ‘non-I desires’ (Williams) and the Humean ‘general standard’ (Wiggins) is also covered.

S/P/50. Why act decently?

This essay outlines the debates over whether ethical egoism is a tenable moral position, arguing that in pure form it can not be. It discusses the case for ethical egoism made by Plato and goes on to analyse rejections of the idea made by Kant, Hume and Williams. Areas discussed include the Kantian idea of rationality in egoism, 'non-I desires', 'natural bases of altruism' and Hume's 'natural sentiments of benevolence'.

E/LI/12. Is Romance part of everyday life?

The paper examines the concept of romance in Understanding Everyday Life by Peter Redman reviewing his ideas and arguing whether or not Romance is part of everyday life.

P/P/231. Ethical value of Hobbesian theory of ‘natural state

The paper reviews the theory of Hobbes on the state the man would be in if there were no government. The concepts of ‘natural right, ‘state of nature, ‘state of war, ‘law of nature, ‘common wealth, etc. are discussed arguing whether Hobbes theory could be classified as moral.

P/P/153. The concept of Honour in Latin America

The paper is a discourse on the subject of honour as a social, philosophic and ethical concept. The author comments on the understanding of the concept in the societies of colonial Latin America showing its links with the gender roles and religious beliefs. Reflections of honour-related issues are traced in the literary legacy of Garcia Marquez.

P/P/131. Can killing be justified?

The paper touches upon the moral and legal aspects of military conduct focusing on whether killing is justifies in the conditions of military necessity. The concepts of 'murder', 'punishment', 'justice', 'innocence', etc. are addressed. The implications of ethical and jurisprudential ambiguity of the subject are discussed and illustrated with historical examples.

S/P/32. Guilt, Sin and the Ascetic Priest in ‘On the Genealogy of Morality

This paper gives a chronological thread to the often confusing or contradictory narrative of Nietzsche in 'The Genealogy of Morality' on the subjects of guilt, sin, Christianity and what he calls the ascetic priest. It deals with how Nietzsche accounts for the emergence of guilt and the effects it has on us as individuals and as a society. Subjects also looked at are the relationship between debtor and creditor, punishment, sin, the creation of God and Christianity and their ambiguous relation to our lives, and ascetic/ spiritual ideals.

R/P/10. Summary of Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

This summary of Nicomachean Ethics will cover the main topic of the selection and the goal of the selection. Next it will discuss the major concepts of Aristotle's writing and how he defines them. The last two sections will be on my viewpoint of the strengths and weakness of his theory on ethics

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